'Let's Get Weird and Make Something Beautiful'
Meet Alexandra Tinsley
Alexandra Tinsley weaves her talents as an illustrator into retro-inspired designs. With a penchant for nature puns and vibrant patterns, Alexandra's work radiates charm. She sells unique pins, patches, stickers, and more in her online shop, Wild Hunt. Additionally, Alexandra specializes in creating brand identities and loves collaborating with women and LGBTQ+-owned businesses, especially those that celebrate individuality and creativity. No matter what she's working on, Alexandra's mission is clear: "Get weird and make something beautiful." Learn more about the designer in her interview.
How did you get started as an illustrator?
I've been drawing since I could hold a crayon, but I started making illustrated merch in 2016 when my ex-husband's new girlfriend introduced me to the world of enamel pins. And yeah, that's just as weird as it sounds! Around the same time, I stumbled into the surface pattern design (SPD) world. While I don't actually do much SPD, I learned a lot from courses in that field.
At what point did you realize that you could turn your artwork or creative product into a business?
To be honest, I've always approached it from that angle. I was the five-year-old claiming I wanted to be an artist when I grew up. I went to—and dropped out of—art school. So when I started exploring illustration and SPD, it was always with the intention of making a career out of it.
How do you define success for your creative business?
If I can spend my days creating and doing work I love and still cover my cost of living, that's all I need to feel like a success.
Where do you find inspiration?
Nature is a big one for me, but so is pop culture. I like to mash the two together.
What's one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you first started your business?
Don't follow the path laid out for you by the popular educators in the industry; you'll be one of the thousands of people trying to follow that same path. Blaze your own trail, make weird connections, explore, collaborate and roll with what works.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start selling their art or creative product?
Dive in! But remember that selling fine art is different from selling commercial art. Neither is the wrong path, but if you're pursuing commercial art, you need to pay more attention to trends and what consumers want than pure self-expression.
What's something our audience would be surprised to learn about you
I can't draw dogs, which is embarrassing because I'm a huge dog lover! This is the year I'm going to put the time in and figure it out, I swear.
How do you handle perfectionism?
"Done is better than perfect" is my mantra. I'm definitely someone whose attention span wanes when I get to the 99% point, so I have a policy of just saying "eff it, good enough!" and shipping it on out.
What's something that surprises you about running a creative business?
The pressure to become an "influencer" in order to find an audience. I didn't sign up to make short video skits! I just want to draw!
What advice would you give to someone about handling the highs and lows of running a business?
Be willing to be malleable. Platforms and marketplaces change, trends change and products go in and out of style. The more you're willing to experiment and change up what you're doing, the better you'll weather the feasts and famines. Also, make sure you're saving money during the feast phase!
Has someone ever criticized your work? How did you handle it?
Usually, people don't do it to my face, thankfully, but people have criticized the content of my work, the simple style, and even once my thumbs in the photo. It's good to remember that the internet brings out the worst in people, and anyone who doesn't like your work isn't your target audience, and that's OK. I'm not the target audience for a lot of popular and successful artists and products, but that doesn't mean they're not kicking butt.
What's a cause you are passionate about and why?
This is super sad, but I'm a fan of the Beagle Freedom Project's work; they are working to close labs that test on dogs. It's really horrific stuff, and my dream one day is to sponsor one of their big rescue operations. Beagle Freedom Project
Can you share the name of a supplier or vendor that you use for your business that you just love?
Sticker Ninja! I started working with them recently for my stickers, and they are super nice and produce wonderful quality products. I've heard they do a four-day work week for their team, which is super cool.
What brings you joy?
Spending time in nature and observing the little things—a chickadee landing nearby, little frogs peeping, a cicada screaming. There are small friends everywhere if you stop to look.
Thanks, Alexandra! You can learn more about her business at www.shopwildhunt.com.
Editor’s Note: This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
